63: Ohio: Pandemic Response and Public Health Lessons, with Bruce Vanderhoff, M.D., Director, Ohio Department of Health
Meet Bruce Vanderhoff, M.D.:
Bruce Vanderhoff, M.D. is the Director of the Ohio Department of Health. Before his directorship, he was the department’s Chief Medical Officer. Prior to that, Dr. Vanderhoff served in a variety of roles at OhioHealth, including the Senior VP, Chief Medical Officer, and VP of Medical Education, Quality, and Patient Safety. He also practiced as a family medicine physician. Dr. Vanderhoff received his M.D. from the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from Franklin University.
Key Insights:
Dr. Vanderhoff dives into pandemic management and leadership lessons from a state government perspective.
- Ohio’s Vax-a-Million. Dr. Vanderhoff described the design behind Ohio’s vaccine lottery. The goal was to incentivize people that were inclined to get the vaccine, but hadn’t done so yet. Two weeks after the program was announced, there was a 28% increase in the number of people getting vaccinated. (3:33)
- Lessons for Public Health. Dr. Vanderhoff emphasized that we cannot predict all potential public health threats. However, we know that people who are healthy are better able to weather pandemics and other health challenges compared to people who are unhealthy. Thus, improving the overall health of people is a crucial part of preparation for future public health threats. (19:58)
- Problem Solving Methodology. To achieve big goals, Dr. Vanderhoff recommends designing a plan that is iterative, that breaks down the problem into smaller steps. He also points to the importance of understanding lived experience. Seek out perspectives from workers on the frontlines before formulating solutions to their problems. (33:35)
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